[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2812-E2813] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THANKING RICK KESSLER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE RIPON SOCIETY ______ HON. THOMAS E. PETRI of wisconsin in the house of representatives Thursday, November 19, 2009 Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, as Bill Gates once said, ``Great organizations demand a high level of commitment by the people involved.'' I rise today to recognize Rick Kessler, whose commitment to one particular organization--the Ripon Society--has not only spanned three decades, but has left a lasting impact on public policy debate in the United States. In 1962, as a student attending Harvard University, I helped found the Ripon Society. The intent was to provide Republicans with a place where they could debate the issues and discuss the challenges of the day. Rick's involvement with Ripon dates back to the early 1980s. He had been involved with John Anderson's presidential campaign, where he served as National Finance Director before going on to serve on the Inaugural Committee for President Reagan. Rick joined the Ripon Society as Executive Director in 1981 and immediately set out to revitalize the organization. Among his accomplishments, Rick created the Congressional Advisory Board; the nonpartisan Ripon Educational Fund Transatlantic Conference; the Congressional Liaison Board; the Rough Rider Awards Dinner; and he oversaw the rejuvenation of The Ripon Forum, the Society's journal of thought and opinion. More than anything, though, Rick carried the organization on his shoulders through good times and bad. In 2004, Rick was invited to follow in the footsteps of the Honorable Bill Frenzel and become the President of the Ripon Society. He has served in this role with great distinction. Rick also was busy raising a family. He and his wife Daphne have been married for 21 [[Page E2813]] years, and are the proud parents of two wonderful children, their daughter Sam and son Ryan. After five years as President, Rick recently announced that he is stepping down and becoming President Emeritus of the Ripon Society. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all that he has done for Ripon. What started out 47 years ago as a seed on the Harvard campus has become a strong and sturdy tree in Washington, DC, today. It is a tree rooted in ideas, and one whose growth over the past 30 years would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of Rick Kessler. I thank him for his service. ____________________